How can you ensure success in long-term expatriate assignments?

2 Prepare for the transition

Once you have decided to take on a long-term expatriate assignment, you should start preparing for the transition as soon as possible. This may involve arranging your travel, accommodation, insurance, taxes, and banking. You should also familiarize yourself with the local laws, customs, etiquette, and social norms. Additionally, you should learn some basic phrases and expressions in the local language, and seek out cultural training or coaching if available. Preparing for the transition can help you avoid stress, confusion, and misunderstandings.

3 Stay connected and supported

During your long-term expatriate assignment, you should maintain regular communication and contact with your home and host organizations. This can help you stay updated, informed, and engaged with your work and colleagues. You should also seek out feedback, guidance, and mentoring from your managers and peers, and leverage any resources or programs that can help you develop your skills and performance. Furthermore, you should build a network of support among other expatriates, locals, and friends who can offer you advice, assistance, and companionship. Staying connected and supported can help you cope with challenges, overcome difficulties, and achieve your objectives.

4 Embrace the diversity

One of the main benefits of a long-term expatriate assignment is the opportunity to experience and appreciate the diversity of the world. You should embrace the differences and similarities between your home and host cultures, and try to learn from them. You should also be open-minded, respectful, and curious about the people, places, and traditions that you encounter. You should also seek out new experiences, activities, and perspectives that can enrich your personal and professional growth. Embracing the diversity can help you broaden your horizons, enhance your creativity, and strengthen your intercultural competence.

5 Balance your work and life

A long-term expatriate assignment can be demanding and rewarding for your work and career. However, you should also balance your work and life, and take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. You should set realistic and flexible goals, prioritize your tasks, and manage your time and energy. You should also find ways to relax, unwind, and have fun, such as pursuing your hobbies, interests, and passions. You should also take advantage of the opportunities to travel, explore, and discover the host country and region. Balancing your work and life can help you avoid burnout, fatigue, and isolation.

6 Plan for the future

Finally, you should plan for the future of your long-term expatriate assignment, and how it will affect your career and life. You should review your progress, achievements, and challenges, and reflect on your learning and development. You should also communicate your expectations, preferences, and aspirations to your home and host organizations, and discuss your options and opportunities for repatriation, extension, or relocation. You should also prepare for the reverse culture shock, and the reintegration to your home country and organization. Planning for the future can help you maximize the benefits, minimize the risks, and optimize the outcomes of your long-term expatriate assignment.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?